Coffee farmers laud government support

Coffee farmers in Musaza Sector, Kirehe District have commended the support the government offers them, noting that they were growing very fast. The farmers said this while receiving a new lorry, worth over Rwf 40 million, donated to them by President Paul Kagame. The pledge was made last year when the President toured the district. The vehicle was handed over to the farmers by Venantie Tugireyezu, the Minister in the President’s Office, on Friday. Tugireyezu told the farmers that the vehicle should not only serve as a sign that the President appreciated their work, but use it to promote their farming business. “This vehicle is a redeemed pledge from the president…don’t disappoint him, but live to his expectations. He was pleased with what you do, so keep it up,” she said. COCAMU, a coffee cooperative, started in 2006 with 83 members but has since grown to 585 members, including 266 women. COCAMU harvests 200 tonnes of coffee every season and members share Rwf 100 million in dividends every year. Yuvenal Bamurabako, the leader of the cooperative, said the vehicle’s arrival was timely, noting that it would ease transportation of coffee to factories. “We don’t have any words with which to express our appreciation to the President…he has been so supportive. ‘‘ Transporting coffee has been a big issue, it was indeed very expensive hiring lorries. This has now cut on out expenditure,” Bamurabako said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Coffee farmers laud government support